Search form

Library Opens New Drive-Thru in Covington

Phase one of the expansion of the Kenton County Public Library's Covington branch is complete and was celebrated Monday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting for the newly unveiled drive-thru. The library's new entrance is also now open. The $12.5 million project will completely change the look of the corner of Fifth Street and Scott Boulevard where the library has stood for thirty-seven years.

Executive director Dave Schroeder stated that it was important for the city to have a branch that reflected its significance to the County library system. It was known solely as the Covington Public Library until the late nineteenth century and until 1967 was only funded by the people of Covington. "Covington is really our roots," Schroeder said. "It's where came from and we wanted a building that showed the significance of the Covington branch, the significance of this branch to this community and the people who use it and I think we made a great start."

The drive-thru costs were given a boost by a significant contribution from Toyota while Republic Bank offered a $15,000 donation to sponsor the new circulation department. Schroeder and a representative from Toyota were the ceremonious first guests of the drive-thru.

The next phase of the library project includes removal of the current elevator and interior stairwells and creation of the new Kentucky History and Genealogy Department, the completion of the Children’s and Young Adult Services. The new computer lab will also be completed. The full project is expected to be completed late next year.

PHOTO: A ribbon is cut at the new drive-thru at Covington's library/RCN